Nebraska
The ‘GOAT’: Lawmakers unveil plan to update Nebraska regulations, cut red tape • Nebraska Examiner
LINCOLN — Nebraska lawmakers unveiled a multi-step plan Thursday to cut red tape, periodically review or update state rules and regulations and, ultimately, save taxpayers money.
The legislative package coined as “GOAT” — Government Oversight, Accountability, and Transparency — is similar to the advisory Department of Governmental Efficiency (DOGE) that President-elect Donald Trump has proposed to advise members of Congress on how to shrink the federal government and find efficiencies.
Several other states have set up similar advisory boards.
State Sens. Bob Andersen of Omaha, Danielle Conrad of Lincoln, Dan McKeon of Amherst, Dan Quick of Grand Island, Merv Riepe of Ralston and Tanya Storer of Whitman are leading the efforts with the Platte Institute, a nonprofit think tank, and Americans for Prosperity-Nebraska.
“The senators introducing legislation in this package have decided not to wait on an advisory body to make recommendations and instead are taking the ‘goat’ by the horns and starting the conversation in the elected body closest to the citizens: the Legislature,” said former State Sen. Laura Ebke, senior policy fellow at the Platte Institute.
‘Legislative eyes and ears’
Among a half-dozen proposals is Legislative Bill 29, from Conrad, to require executive agencies to review the necessity of existing regulations every three years.
The proposal mirrors a 2017 executive order from former Nebraska Gov. Pete Ricketts, now a U.S. senator, that paused all new rulemaking for about six months. Ricketts had said the pause would allow time to review more than 7.5 million words in the administrative code, with more than 100,000 regulatory restrictions on the books.
Among the questions that Ricketts required state agencies to review were:
- Is the regulation essential to the health, safety or welfare of Nebraskans?
- Do the costs of the regulation outweigh the benefits?
- Does a process exist to measure the effectiveness of the regulation?
- Has a less restrictive alternative been considered?
- Was the regulation solely created due to state law?
- Was the regulation created as a result of a federal mandate?
Conrad noted those efforts have, as of 2023, reduced nearly 25% of state regulations from 2017, which was “an excellent first start, but we can’t rest on those laurels.”
She said the proposals, if enacted, could save money and “fight back against the ever-growing administrative state that has really entangled into far too many aspects of our lives.”
“We will ensure that there will be legislative eyes and ears on every rule and regulation that emanates from the bureaucracy on a periodic basis,” Conrad said, checking for if something is outdated, antiquated or cost-prohibitive.
Millions, possibly billions in savings
Another of the proposals already introduced, LB 366, from Riepe and Conrad, would create the Legislative Economic Analysis Unit led by a chief economist for the Legislature.
It would require periodic review of major rules or regulations that could result in, or are likely to result in, an economic impact of more than $1 million over five years or that could have significant adverse effects on competition, employment, investment, productivity or innovation, including such effects on individual industries or regions.
Another proposal from McKeon would create an executive branch office to ensure cost-benefit analysis of regulations and to make progress toward streamlining existing rules.
Ebke said a new office “sounds scary,” but thanks to efforts in other states, such as Virginia, “an office of four people has saved many millions of dollars, maybe billions.”
Former State Sen. Nicole Fox, director of government relations for the Platte Institute, said staff from Virginia Gov. Glenn Youngkin’s staff joined the nonprofit at an event in December. She noted that in two years, Virginia realized more than $1 billion in savings, $300 million in housing alone.
Fox said regulations like updates to the electrical code can seem necessary from an efficiency perspective but do end up passing on costs to taxpayers.
Ebke said the effort is designed to create an atmosphere where regulatory agencies do economic analyses considering costs to Nebraskans, rather than just costs to the state.
The other proposals have yet to be introduced, but would include: an inventory and examination of nearly all federal funds the state receives (Andersen); a measure to allow businesses to challenge regulations in local courts rather than courts in Lincoln (Storer), a measure to prevent agencies from issuing “binding” regulatory advisories (Quick).
‘Cornerstone of decision-making’
State Sen. Rita Sanders of Bellevue, the chair of the Government, Military and Veterans Affairs Committee that would likely consider most parts of the regulatory package, said excessive rules can impede progress and hinder entrepreneurs or businesses from getting off the ground.
She said regulations should be crafted in the Legislature, “the cornerstone of decision-making.”
Speaker John Arch of La Vista, who endorsed the regulatory package, said the “good government bills” would lead to a better process and improve the function of government.
LB 346, introduced by Arch on behalf of Gov. Jim Pillen, would terminate or reassign the duties of more than 40 state boards, commissions, committees or councils. While it’s not part of the official Platte package, Arch said it helps accomplish the same goal.
Conrad said the combined efforts with Arch — “The Magnificent Seven” — will not eliminate every single rule or regulation, but she said they will ensure proper delegation of authority to stand up for Nebraskans, including consumer safety, public health and welfare.
“When we work together to remove the regulatory burden, it benefits all Nebraskans,” Conrad said. “It unleashes economic freedom and it ensures we have more opportunities for personal liberty.”
GET THE MORNING HEADLINES.
I recently read an article by Nate McHugh of SB Nation that stated the last two “sure things” to bring Nebraska football back failed. The first “thing” is back coaching at UCF, and the second “thing” is now wearing an Oregon uniform. Because these two “sure things” failed, McHugh points to them as reasons for Husker fan’s frustration. But did he miss the third reason? If I’m not mistaken, the hiring of Matt Rhule felt like one of those “sure things” as well. But after the ‘mythical’ year three and disappointment it became clear Rhule’s hiring was anything but a “sure thing” for success.
Because of that fans are torn how they feel about Rhule. I’m one of them. I catch myself saying Rhule is the right guy for Nebraska and then quickly point out that his overall record as a head coach is 66-62. Clearly mediocre compared to Kyle Whittingham (177-88) or James Franklin (104-45). But Rhule hasn’t stayed anywhere long enough to truly establish himself like Whittingham or Franklin either.
See what I mean, I’m quick to point out his shortcomings but still believe he can make the Huskers relevant again. Where Husker fans struggle is that Rhule has in fact taken us to back-to-back bowl games for the first time since 2015-2016 yet allowed his team to get curb stomped by Penn State, Iowa, and Utah to end the season.
So, fans are leery going into the 2026 season. What are we going to get considering the schedule? The Huskers get Indiana, Washington, and Ohio State at home, and Oregon, Illinois, and Iowa on the road. While no game is a sure win, if they can’t notch victories against Ohio, Bowling Green, North Dakota, Michigan State, Maryland and Rutgers, then we’ll once again question if Rhule is the right man. Simply put, the fan base will be disappointed with another 6-6 season. Personally, with the coaching changes and improvement in talent, my expectation is a record of 7-5 or 8-4 on the season.
Tim Verghese of ‘Inside Nebraska’ got my attention last week when talking about fans giving recruits a negative vibe and possibly influencing their decision to commit to a program. He used Jimbo Fisher at Texas A&M as an example. The fanbase was so negative about Fisher that it made recruits question how secure he was at A&M. Obviously recruits had reason to be worried.
Does that affect how I approach what I write or talk about? It does, but then again, I don’t think so much of myself to think it matters. I see myself as your typical fan. I’m just someone who shares their thoughts about Husker football. And frankly, like 50% or more of the fans, I’m torn between being supportive and negativity. We’ve been burned too many times and haven’t seen the things that we need to see to convince us a turnaround is about to happen. Whether it’s offense, defense, or beating the teams they are supposed to beat (Minnesota & Iowa) there just hasn’t been any consistency from Rhule’s teams. As fans we need to see Rhule’s teams win the games they are supposed to, then win the close games, and finally beat the teams they aren’t supposed to. Until we see Rhule’s teams take those steps, there will be doubt and a level of negativity.
As far as recruits are concerned, I don’t see Rhule going anywhere. He’s safe due to his contract, the investment being made on the stadium, and Trae Taylor making it clear he’s all ‘N’ as long as Matt Rhule is the head man. He may just be a senior in high school, but don’t think QB Trae Taylor doesn’t play a role here. He does. And I’m good with that. Taylor has the same expectations as the fans.
And no, those expectations aren’t too high. I’ve been a fan for over fifty years. The standard at Nebraska was set a long time ago. That standard hasn’t changed. Nebraska fans may be up and down on how they feel about Rhule, but they are consistent on their expectations. The standard is the standard and always will be.
GO BIG RED!! SIMPLE, FAST, VIOLENT!!
Photo courtesy of the Falls City Journal Home – Falls City Journal – Falls City, NE
Stay on top of Husker football at CarrikerChronicles.com
The results are in for the Nebraska Lottery’s draw games on Friday, May 8, 2026.
Here’s a look at winning numbers for each game on May 8.
Winning Mega Millions numbers from May 8 drawing
37-47-49-51-58, Mega Ball: 16
Check Mega Millions payouts and previous drawings here.
Winning Pick 3 numbers from May 8 drawing
8-0-5
Check Pick 3 payouts and previous drawings here.
Winning Pick 5 numbers from May 8 drawing
01-03-12-24-26
Check Pick 5 payouts and previous drawings here.
Winning 2 By 2 numbers from May 8 drawing
Red Balls: 02-20, White Balls: 09-11
Check 2 By 2 payouts and previous drawings here.
Winning MyDay numbers from May 8 drawing
Month: 01, Day: 16, Year: 17
Check MyDay payouts and previous drawings here.
Winning Millionaire for Life numbers from May 8 drawing
14-16-21-43-51, Bonus: 03
Check Millionaire for Life payouts and previous drawings here.
Feeling lucky? Explore the latest lottery news & results
When are the Nebraska Lottery drawings held?
- Powerball: 9:59 p.m. CT Monday, Wednesday and Saturday.
- Mega Millions: 10 p.m. CT on Tuesday and Friday.
- Pick 3, 5: By 10 p.m. CT daily.
- Lucky For Life: 9:38 p.m. CT daily.
- 2 By 2: By 10 p.m. CT daily.
- MyDaY: By 10 p.m. CT daily.
- Lotto America: 9:15 p.m CT Monday, Wednesday and Saturday.
- Millionaire for Life: 10:15 p.m. CT daily.
This results page was generated automatically using information from TinBu and a template written and reviewed by a USA Today editor. You can send feedback using this form.
LINCOLN, Neb. (KOLN) – Nebraska Athletics announced Friday that the expansion of John Cook Arena is in full swing.
The Nebraska Athletics Capital Planning and Facilities Department posted to social media that the effort to modernize amenities and provide new seating options is well underway.
According to the athletic fund, the renovation will enhance Nebraska’s home-court advantage, modernize amenities and provide new premium and general seating options. This includes adding:
- New and improved seats with cup holders in each seat.
- A new centralized student section.
- New and improved courtside seating with both end court and side court locations available. The Courtside Lounge offers access pregame and during intermission and includes private restrooms, televisions and all-inclusive gourmet food, beverage and alcohol.
- New Loge Box seating with hospitality lounge with access pregame and during intermission, including access to private restrooms, televisions and all-inclusive gourmet food and beverage with a cash bar.
- Libero Club seating replaces the VIP seats. Located in the back row of the 100 level, seats include access to the Libero Club Lounge pregame and during intermission complete with televisions and all-inclusive gourmet food and soft drinks with a cash bar.
- Additional ADA seating with new vantage points and easier access from around the concourse.
The Husker Athletic Fund announced the first-ever reseating and parking process in October 2025. It is timed to coincide with the renovation of the arena to increase overall capacity to 10,000.
For more information about the reseating process, click here.
Click here to subscribe to our 10/11 NOW daily digest and breaking news alerts delivered straight to your email inbox.
Copyright 2026 KOLN. All rights reserved.
-
New York1 hour agoRail tickets to New Jersey World Cup matches will be $105, not $150.
-
Detroit, MI2 hours agoDetroit Tigers lose fifth straight, Kerry Carpenter injured
-
San Francisco, CA2 hours agoFallen tree downs powerlines in SF, delays Muni line
-
Dallas, TX2 hours agoFC Dallas vs Real Salt Lake: Lineup notes 📝
-
Miami, FL2 hours agoYour 2026 Miami Dolphins Draft Picks Expectations
-
Boston, MA2 hours agoTexas A&M SS Boston Kellner suffers orbital bone fracture
-
Denver, CO2 hours agoPedestrian fatally hit by Frontier airplane departing Denver for Los Angeles, flight canceled after
-
Seattle, WA2 hours agoSeattle beer garden employee found fatally shot inside business